2018 for the Next generation thales LDP
It is in 2018 that could be delivered the first laser designation pod next generation (NG PDL) developed by Thales, whose 45 copies should be ordered next year. Designated successor of the Damocles pod, the PDL NG must be a development for which approximately 450 million may be incurred. If the launch is confirmed, it will equip the French Rafale (Air / Sea) and Mirage 2000D at the end of the decade, and will be delivered until 2022.
When asked, the DGA and Thales have not been able to provide comments. However, in the summer of 2012, the Delegate General for Armaments Laurent Collet-Billon had clarified that "negotiation was fastened" with Thales on this issue.
Several studies upstream markets had already been awarded to Thales to work on a new pod, which would include a TV camera plus an infrared sensor to facilitate the detection and identification of small targets in support missions close fire or intelligence unconventional (NTISR). This was particularly the object of PEA Mastrid notified in 2009 to 30 million - a program which it is impossible to know today what were the concrete results, as the subject is the subject of a "black- out "in terms of total communication.
On several occasions, employees of Thales Optronics Airborne Systems (TOSA) were moved from the breakdown of workload coming PDL NG if the contract was not notified. A union of the company in February 2012 stated that 150 jobs consultancy could be removed in June 2012, and 100 production jobs early 2014. The launch of the operation the next year will be confirmed before raising fears completely of these employees.
Budget documents associated with the proposed 2013 budget law specify that the PDL NG will also "proposed export." In this highly competitive market, busy with references that are U.S. Sniper (Lockheed Martin) and the Israeli Litening (Rafael), the new product will be hard to Thales.
Historically, the sale of boats has always been closely associated with that of combat aircraft. But the recent example of the Emirates who are disillusioned with the performance of the Damocles pod now, had demanded the integration of the Sniper U.S. urges caution. Especially as India, which aims to get its first Rafale by 2016 (ie before the PDL NG is available) may also be required to make the choice of a nacelle ... American or Israeli, as it did in the 90s to equip its Mirage 2000H.
Objectif 2018 pour le PDL NG de Thales - Air&Cosmos